Jared Tancrelle, along with two other URI grads, met with current URI pharmacy students Thursday evening

URI College of Pharmacy students heard first-hand about the opportunities awaiting them when they graduate, and the changes occurring in an increasingly patient-focused profession during a lecture by URI alumnus and Senior Vice President of Retail Operations for CVS Health Jared Tancrelle.

Pharmacists are among the most trusted professionals, especially those in a community pharmacy who become integral parts of the community, Tancrelle reminded the students. Never was that more obvious than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when nearly 300 million Americans visited their local pharmacy for a coronavirus test, COVID vaccine, or just some trusted advice, Tancrelle said. That trust will only increase as the profession evolves.

“A community pharmacy is a very special place. Everyone has customer who really rely on them,” Tancrelle said. “The industry is transforming, and pharmacists will continue to play a more active role in direct patient care.”

Tancrelle, along with fellow URI College of Pharmacy alumni Jeremy Blais and Ariana (Houle) Costanzo, outlined the increasing use of technology, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, and detailed opportunities and growth potential that awaits them, including at CVS Health where Tancrelle began his career as a pharmacy intern before joining pharmacy operations. In addition to continuing to work as a retail pharmacist, he has worked on the design and rollout of CVS’ pharmacy workflow processes and systems, oversight of the pharmacy delivery platform, and design of several store service strategies.

“There are a lot of opportunities in our profession,” he said.